Millions of holidaymakers will choose to spend their holiday elsewhere unless action is taken to protect Britain's historic environment, a report warned today.

Experts from the National Trust, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Heritage Link say that the history and character of British landscapes, villages and towns are a tourist attraction, but are now at risk.

More recognition and protection is needed, the report argues.

The report says that the historic environment is one of the main reasons people choose to go on holiday in this country, as millions from Britain and elsewhere are doing this month.